Winner: Reading is better than watching television

Reading enriches our knowledge and develops our brain functions. Watching television makes people lazy. It does not increase our vocabulary or knowledge. Watching television distracts our attention. Even the eyes get affected by the rays and glare of the television. People suffer from headaches, vision problems and physical suffering after watching television.

There is a saying `Reading maketh a full man.’ When a person reads he is filled with joy and happiness. Charles Dickens became a famous writer because of his knowledge acquired through reading.Watching television is likely to affect our sleep. Similarly children lose interest in their studies. We must increase our reading habit to improve our knowledge and concentration power in studies. Children must read story books to improve the knowledge of English. We must read more and make it a good habit.

Rochelle Stephanie,
Grade 5B,
Kingston College International,
Colombo 15.

Winner: Water pollution

Man is responsible for all forms of pollution. We use water to brush our teeth, bathe, wash clothes, cook and clean. At the end of these activities a lot of water goes waste.

In cities, polluted water is drained into rivers, lakes or the sea. Many use water from the same river or lake. In many places people wash clothes on the banks of rivers or lakes.

Some bathe animals in the same place. When polluted water is used for drinking and cooking people suffer from various diseases.

A walk along the beach in the morning reveals that it is full of garbage which has been washed ashore. Nobody knows from where they have come.

Water pollution takes place at different places. Polluted water and animal waste can carry bacteria and viruses of serious diseases. Disease can also be caused by eating fish living in contaminated water.

We must find a solution to stop the pollution of water and protect our motherland.

Pravesha de Silva,
Grade 8,
Good Shepherd Convent,
Panadura.

Winner: Helping each other

Helping one another is a good quality. When someone is in need we must help them.

However, most people are reluctant to help each other. Instead they become jealous of each other. Some people become jealous when another person is doing well.

When someone is wealthy others feel jealous of them.

When we help others we gain merit. As students we must help others whenever necessary.

Nazaha Zainab Nizam,
Grade 8,
U.N.H. International School,
Wattala.

Winner: The dog, man’s faithful friend

One of the most lovable pets in the world is the dog. It is known as man’s best friend. The dog never leaves his master when he is in trouble. But, what will humans do when their loved ones are in trouble? Most of them will leave their loved ones. Contrary to popular belief, dogs understand humans. It remembers his master’s services. The dog remains faithful to its master.

I have a puppy named Tally that makes me happy when I am sad. It loves me a lot. I feel as if Tally is one of my own brothers. A dog is a lovable pet which can help a person to live happily.

Ann Perera,
Grade 8,
Lyceum International School,
Wattala.



 

Winner: The buzzing bees

Buzz, buzz, buzz,
Here comes the busy bees,
Going around the flowers,
And making the day for a living.
Nectar is your food,
What is your mood,
You look angry,
Did I do something wrong?

Shwetha Kawindani,
Grade 4,
Sussex College,
Ampara.

Let’s keep the environment clean

The environment is our surroundings. There are trees, plants, flowers, waterfalls, forests and mountains. People cannot live without them. The environment gives us many things such as water, trees, food and air. If you keep the surroundings clean, the air will be healthy.

We should take care of the planet. We are not putting much effort to do so. The little effort put into recycling is not enough. We must make drastic changes. Factory fumes affect the environment. The rate of global warming is increasing, we must slow down before it is too late.

To stop global warming we must devise a method. Conserving energy is another aspect that we must look into.

Keeping our surroundings clean will also contribute to lead a healthy life. We must get together and protect the environment.

Johana Nilakshi Anthony,
Grade 11A,
St. Paul’s Balika Maha Vidyalaya,
Kelaniya.

Protect trees

Trees save our lives. All green trees give us oxygen and they use carbondioxide which is harmful to us. Trees also give us medicine, shade, firewood, fruit and timber. We use parts of trees to make herbal soap, shampoo and hair oil.

Mahathma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru treated trees as `brothers’ and `sisters.’

If we cut down trees, we will not be able to live on this planet. The earth is the only planet that has life. If there are no trees, animals will die, flowers will wither and water resources will dry. Therefore we must protect trees.

B.W. Sanduni Jayanga Sathsarani,
Grade 12,
WP/Ke Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya,
Kiribathgoda.



 

My mother

My mother is Sumudu. She is very beautiful. She is kind. My mother helps me with my school work.

She is a banker. My mother brings me lovely clothes. I love to be with her as she loves me a lot. She is my whole world. I love my mother very much.

Shevan Fernando,
Grade 2,
S. Thomas’ College,
Mt. Lavinia.










 

The Internet

The Internet is an invention of modern technology. It has a recent birth but has spread all over the world. The Internet is the richest source of information.

We can get much information from the Internet and is a great source for school children. There are positive as well as negative impacts of using the Internet. Some children get addicted to it.

Children neglect their studies due to this addiction. This is a pathetic situation. We must try to use the Internet in a positive manner.

C.G.M. Niwarthana Thathsarani,
Grade 10D,
Ananda National College,
Chilaw.